The extension is intended to give companies more time to formally submit bids after expressing preliminary interest. The new deadline is Wednesday, February 11.
Mendoza’s Hydrocarbons Directorate has extended the timeline of its ongoing tender process for 17 oil and gas exploration and production blocks, allowing companies additional time to submit formal bids. The new deadline for offer submissions is Wednesday, February 11.
The decision follows an extensive assessment of market conditions, investment opportunities, and the technical and financial complexity of the process. The tender includes the following areas: Atuel Exploración Sur, Atuel Exploración Norte, Boleadero, Calmuco, Chachahuen Norte, CN III Norte, Los Parlamentos, Puesto Pozo Cercado Occidental, Ranquil Norte, Río Atuel, Sierra Azul Sur, Zampal, Atamisqui, El Manzano, Loma Cortaderal–Cerro Doña Juana, Puesto Molina Norte, and Puntilla del Huincán.
“This decision was made under the authority granted to us by Decrees 1908/2025 and 2241/2025, with the primary goal of protecting the Province’s strategic interests,” said Lucas Erio, Director of Hydrocarbons.
“Given the scope of this call, which targets national and international operators, and the technical, economic, and financial requirements involved, we determined that an extension was necessary so companies can complete their evaluations and submit their bids under solid conditions,” Erio added.
Areas with prior expressions of interest
Two of the blocks included in the tender have already received concrete investment proposals.
Hattrick Energy SAS executed a Technical Evaluation Agreement (TEA) for the Atuel Exploración Sur block, committing an initial investment of USD 325,000. This agreement grants the company a right of first refusal within the tender process.
In addition, Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia (PCR) submitted a private initiative for the Río Atuel block. The proposal was declared to be of public interest and includes an investment of USD 2.98 million.
“Companies that promoted these initiatives may proceed with the initial investment, which other bidders can then match or improve upon, while still retaining the right to enhance their own offers. This mechanism creates competitive momentum and encourages sustained investment, which is exactly what we want for Mendoza,” Erio explained.
Updated tender schedule
The tender is being conducted under the 2025 Model Bidding Terms, introduced in July of last year. This framework offers greater regulatory flexibility, stronger legal certainty, and specific incentives designed to attract capital.
Following the extension, the updated schedule is as follows:
- Purchase of bidding documents: Available at the Hydrocarbons Directorate until February 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
- Bid submission deadline: February 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
- Opening of Envelope A: February 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Blocks included in the call
For this tender, the Technical Department of the Hydrocarbons Directorate identified available areas with high exploratory potential. The Geology Department prepared detailed technical reports, including geological background, locations of existing wells, and reference maps.
The exploration blocks included are:
Atuel Exploración Norte
Atuel Exploración Sur
Boleadero
Calmuco
Chachahuen Norte
CN III Norte
Los Parlamentos
Puesto Pozo Cercado Occidental
Ranquil Norte
Río Atuel
Sierra Azul Sur
Zampal
The production blocks are:
Atamisqui
El Manzano
Loma Cortaderal–Cerro Doña Juana
Puesto Molina Norte
Puntilla del Huincán
Access to information
Companies interested in participating may request all technical and legal documentation related to the tender by contacting the official email addresses:
Through these actions, Mendoza continues to strengthen a competitive, investment-oriented energy policy focused on job creation, productive diversification, and expanding the province’s presence in national and international energy markets.
Through these actions, Mendoza continues to strengthen a competitive, investment-oriented energy policy focused on job creation, productive diversification, and expanding the province’s presence in national and international energy markets.